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Ryan Blaney’s pole run at Phoenix sets up major Chase opportunity

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Score one for the drivers in hot pursuit of Chase leader Kyle Larson. In qualifying for Sunday's 312-lap Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway (3 p.m.

By Field Level Media · Yardbarker

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 12:04 AM

Key Things to Know

Ryan Blaney captured the pole position for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.
The five drivers trailing Chase leader Kyle Larson locked out the top five starting positions.
Championship points leader Kyle Larson struggled during time trials and qualified 22nd.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ryan Blaney secured the pole position for Sunday's Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway with a lap at 137.143 mph. Blaney, who sits fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings, led a sweep of the top five grid spots by drivers pursuing points leader Kyle Larson, who qualified in 22nd place.

Team Penske's Joey Logano qualified second, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell. With Larson facing handling issues, the race offers Larson's title challengers a critical opportunity to gain ground and compete for victory.

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Ryan Blaney’s pole run at Phoenix sets up major Chase opportunity

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